The best we can

Last Friday night I sat in the Dyer Hudson Hall kitchen trying to feed Nolan some unappetizing itty bitty chicken noodle dinner prepared by Gerber. I have heard baby food has come a long way since I was born, but I honestly don't even know if Rex would have ate what was in that cup. After coming to this realization, I folded and resorted to a bottle. You see, right now we are at that transition from baby to little boy. There are thousands of books, blogs, and resources that talk about making this transition seamless. Try one new food a week, offer cereals first, don't feed egg whites, etc. No way is perfect, but I believe as parents we all do the best we can.

As I was sitting in the kitchen, I could feel the space get smaller as the crowd at our Seeds of Hope benefit grew bigger. As I held our baby boy I tried to process why we were even here in the first place... Is my husband really sick? Are these people all here because of us? Did I just see someone from my high school? Is this really happening?!

Even though it was going to be tough, I knew I needed to do a better job embracing the love and hope that was gathering for our family. So I put the bottle down, got up and walked out. I greeted, I hugged, I cried, I laughed, and I repeated. By no means did I get to everyone that came, but I tried my best.

Friday was truly one of the most remarkable nights of my life. We were so overwhelmed by the number of people that gathered at Dyer Hudson; some say it was over 1,000. All I know is that we were over fire code. Simply put, if we could capture the love, kindness, and hope in that wood paneled hall, there is no doubt we could change the world.

We go through life meeting folks through work, school, leadership roles, and the occasional night out. We try our best to be kind, be humble, be honest, and to be a good person when meeting people. Never did we expect those acquaintances to give back to us in such a way. With humility and God's grace we are embracing all the feels from Friday night.

Even yet, there are no words, no emotions, or no hugs big enough to thank our friends, our family and our community. But I am going to try my best.

To those that traveled hours to be with us, I want you to know every mile was worth it. Thank you to everyone that donated auction items. Your generosity brought joy and excitement to the room. Those that bid on the auction items, whether successful or not, thank you for your financial support. To the volunteers and organizers, we are eternally grateful for your support now and always. Finally, thank you to our close friends and family, your unconditional love is inspiring.

You all did the best you could last Friday evening, and we are forever grateful. Encouraging us to keep pushing and searching for answers, supporting our family through the auction, keeping our family in your prayers, and most importantly offering hope. Thank you sincerely from the bottom of our oh so full hearts.